On Monday, February 14, Valentine’s Day will be celebrated in Fiji.
The significance of Valentine’s Day is eminent to most, if not all. Valentine’s Day is the day on which lovers express their love for each other.
This is an annual celebration held on February 14 for celebrating love and care between intimate companions. This multicultural festival is perhaps the only festival celebrated all over the globe with the same spirit and passion to express love for the special one in life.
While Valentine’s Day is seen as a jovial occasion, it will mean lovers digging deep into their pockets to buy something for that special loved one. As we anticipate a fun-filled Valentine’s Day, let’s reflect on the good and bad experiences we went through.
Lisa Cole at the helm FFA appointed Lisa Cole as Marika Rodu’s replacement. She will officially take over as the maiden female head coach of the Bula Girls. Lisa Cole, who has experience coaching the Antigua and Barbuda women’s national football teams, will bring heaps of expertise to our national women’s side. Rodu did well with the women’s team, and I’m thankful that he gave his best. Cole will have a mammoth task as she will have to adjust to the Fijian culture. She will also be scouting for players off-shore to strengthen the team for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup. I’m impressed with Lisa. Hope she’ll continue with the momentum.
Football prowess laid to rest Tributes poured on social media for former national and Ba team striker Taito Bula, who passed away at his home in Nailaga in Ba at the age of 53. Bula was a feared and lethal striker at the height of his career, and his speed and the ability to dribble opponents was admired by football fans. He did not hesitate to take shots, and his powerful and aggressive approach drove fear in defenders. His power-packed shots often found the back of the net. Furthermore, Bula’s passion, spirit and the ‘never-say-die attitude’ was something that made him stand out. When he joined the Ba football side, he rubbed shoulders against some of the best players in Fiji at that time – the Delai brothers- Lote and Meli, Akuila Rova, Teti Vosa, Epeli Rokoqica, Iosefo Vosaboto, Allen Jesoni, Shiu Sami, Lorima Batirerega, Saula Waqanicakau, Valerio Nasema, Arjun Pillay and his strike partner Ravuama Madigi. Bula was a member of the national football team that created history by winning its first South Pacifi c Games gold medal in Lae, Papua New Guinea. He was a nemesis for defenders in the league and local tournaments. Bula won the Fiji FACT, Battle of the Giants, IDC and Champion versus Champion series with Ba. He was a ball hunter and a solid finisher.
Heavy rainfall causes havoc The year did not start well for the Fijians living in the Western Division as they suffered immensely due to heavy rainfall, which resulted in flooding. Fijians were warned of the need to take precautionary measures as heavy rain was anticipated until tomorrow. The trough of low pressure resulted in adverse weather and heavy rain resulted in flooding. Fijians suffered immensely as a result of flooding, and we cannot rest on our laurels. Taking a proactive approach will help save lives and property. It is important to take care of children and to ensure they do not swim in flooded waters and do not cross flooded creeks or rivers. We must boil drinking water as sources could have been contaminated. Trying times for our children as well, but I’m positive that we will fight the adversities.
Wardens upset Police Blue Police Blue’s winning run came to a halt as the defending FRU Super 7s Series champion was beaten at Lawaqa Park last Saturday by a hungrier and dominant Wardens pack led by national 7s captain Josua Vakurinabili. Despite the heavy downpour and muddy ground, the players gave everything they had in the tank in a bid to impress selectors. Police Blue and Wardens deserved a spot in the final as the sides had been consistent at Lawaqa Park. Wardens fought from a 7-0 deficit to win the final as Josua led his troops bravely. Congratulations Wardens for the welldeserved and courageous win at Lawaqa Park!
India honors Lata Mangeshkar Lata Mangeshkar, who was also referred to as ‘India’s Nightingale’, passed away at the age of 92. Lata Didi, as she was fondly known as, gave a voice to Indian movies for more than 70 years. Hence, she was honoured with a state funeral. She was one of India’s most beloved singers, and her voice was the soundtrack to hundreds of Bollywood films. She was a playback singer, providing music to be mimed by actors for innumerable Indian movies. Her extraordinary career spanned more than half a century and she recorded thousands of heart-touching songs. Her soft voice, which could attain a high pitch with an unsurpassable ease, became a part of almost every Indian household. Speaking to CNN (New Delhi), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was anguished beyond words. He said: “The kind and caring Lata Didi has left us. She leaves a void in our nation that cannot be filled. The coming generation will remember her as a stalwart of Indian culture, whose melodious voice had an unparalleled ability to mesmerise people. She remained the most beloved voice of India for many decades. Her golden voice is immortal and will continue to echo in the hearts of her fans.” Indeed, with the death of Lata Didi, we have lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world as her voice touched the soul of Indians, and her songs have been with many throughout their lives. Her funeral was a reminder of her unique appeal. She has left a legacy as old as independent India itself and her songs will remind listeners about a sensation.
Rugby star leaves behind memories Former Fiji 15s captain Mosese Taga passed away on February 2 at the age of 57. He had an illustrious career as a member of the Flying Fijians outfit. Taga represented Fiji and earned himself 48 Test caps including the 1987 and 1991 RWC tournaments. Taga made his debut with the Flying Fijians during the 1987 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, during the match against the All Blacks. Coached by Josateki Savou and George Simpkin, the Flying Fijians made their first ever quarter- final after defeating Argentina 28-9. Our boys, however, lost to the All Blacks 74-13 and Italy 18-15. Taga was part of the 1991 RWC roster, where he was the captain. The side was coached by Samisoni Viriviri and George Simpkin, and lost all their pool games, going down to Canada 13-3, France 33-9 and Romania 17-15. Taga continued to play for Suva and the Flying Fijians. His last international cap was against Australia in at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney in 1998. The hosts thrashed Fiji 66-20. During his career, he won the prestigious Farebrother Sullivan Trophy both as a player and coach for Suva. In 1993, he was a member of the Nabua rugby team that won the Escott Shield. He was a robust player and he did most of his talking on the playing field. His work rate and discipline made him stand out, and he led by example. At his funeral, eulogies were delivered by former skipper Sale Sorovaki and former FRU CEO, Radrodro Tabualevu. Taga was buried at the Lovonilase Cemetry this week. He is survived by his wife and their seven children.
Bill Satala, Jerry Tuwai to assist Ben Gollings Former 7s rep Viliame Satala and current 7s player Jerry Tuwai have been announced as Ben Gollings assistants. Satala is no stranger to 7s, having being part of the national 7s team that won numerous tournaments on the HSBC WRSS circuit. He played an integral part in our historic wins in Wellington and Brisbane during the 1999-2000 7s season and also at So Kon Po when Fiji won the Melrose Cup for the second time. Gollings and Satala played together in Japan so their chemistry should click with the national 7s side. Having Bill as his assistant will allow Gollings to understand the 7s culture better. I don’t have much to say about Jerry as he has been with the national 7s side since 2014. He has won it all, except the Melrose Cup and the Commonwealth 7s gold medal. He was voted the 7s player of the decade and the best 7s player for the 2018/19 7s season. Both Bill Satala and Jerry are assets to FRU.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM is a regular contributor. The views expressed are his and not of this newspaper
